Q. How did the Accessible Housing Society start?

A. AHS began in 1974 and came out of a desperate need for accessible, independent living space for young people with severe physical disabilities. Our first initiative was the Fourth Dimension Group Home, a space in NW Calgary where 12 young people with physical disabilities could live independently.

Q. Does “accessible housing” mean affordable housing?

A. Not really. By “accessible housing” we mean physically accessible. Our clients are people with mobility problems, which often means that they need to use a wheelchair to get around. However, as many people with physical disabilities in Calgary live on government support such as AISH, or otherwise have low incomes, affordability is an issue as well.

Q. I am disabled (or have a relative/friend who is) and would like to move into an accessible home/apartment. What are my options?

A. You could access our accessible housing registry. Staff track all accessible housing in the city and will match people needing an accessible space with what is available. Please note that there is currently a waiting list for accessible units.

Q. I am disabled (or have a relative/friend who is) and I would like to move to a place where I can access in-home personal care support. Do you operate any facilities like this?

A. Yes, we do. AHS currently runs the following sites:

Fourth Dimension Group Home (4-D)
A barrier-free supported living environment overlooking Confederation Park. 4-D accommodates 12 people and has a Registered Nurse (LPN) who coordinates 24-hour personal care service. Occupational Therapist consultation services available and meals, laundry and housekeeping are provided. Residents can access assistance with shopping and visits to medical offices and there is an adapted kitchen for learning independent living skills.

Foundation Place

Foundation Place is a shared living accommodation that promotes independence and personal accountability. This fully accessible side-by-side duplex offers permanent housing and affordability for eight people with various physical disabilities and mobility issues. People housed through this program are individuals from the community and persons who are experiencing homelessness. 

Chinook House and McLaurin Village
These are sites where we provide continuity of personal care throughout the evening, night and morning in an apartment and in a townhouse setting, allowing for a normal rhythm of life and opportunity to maximize independence, employment and recreation. We provide assistance with homemaking and Occupational Therapist consultation services are available.

If you would like to know more about these sites or are interested in applying for space, please contact the AHS office at 282-1872.

Q. I am disabled (or have a relative/friend who is) and would like to stay in my home own even though it’s not currently accessible. Can you help me?

A. You can contact our Residential Assessment and Design program at 282-1872. Our team of a Technical Advisor and two Occupational Therapists will consult with you in your own home to determine what your needs are, recommend solutions, and help connect you with contractors and funding sources.

Q. I plan on renovating my home (or my relative’s/friend’s home) to make it more accessible. Where can I find resource materials to help me do that?

A. AHS operates a barrier-free design library out of our office at #215 1212 – 31st Ave NE. Membership is $5/year. These resources offer general guidelines. If you are renovating for a specific individual or need ideas specific to the design of your home, you should contact the Residential Assessment and Design team for a home visit. The team is also available to meet with you at the office to help you select resources. Call to set up an appointment at 282-1872.

Q. I am with a group of people who would like to know more about the Accessible Housing Society and/or barrier-free design? Do you do presentations or workshops?

A. Yes! We can come and talk to your group for 5 minutes or up to 5 hours, depending on the topic and the audience. Please note that for education workshops, we do charge a fee. Call us at 282-1872 to book.

Q. Can I become a member of the Accessible Housing Society?

A. Yes! Membership is $5.00/year and grants a subscription to our bi-annual newsletter and lending privileges from our barrier-free design resource materials.

Q. How do I become a volunteer of the Accessible Housing Society? What Volunteer Opportunities are available?

A. Just contact the office at 282-1872 and mention you would like to volunteer. They will connect you with the person responsible for Volunteer Coordination. We currently need volunteers for promotional displays, special events, and administrative support. We will also be expanding our volunteer opportunities to include position at our sites.

Q. I would like to donate to the Accessible Housing Society, how do I do that?

A. Well, thank you, we appreciate any donations! You can donate simply by sending in or dropping off your donation to our office. You can also make an online donation through Canadahelps by visiting the Donate page of our website. If you would like more information about fundraising programs and needs, please call 403-735-2426 or email development@ahscalgary.ca

Q. I am planning to replace my bathtub with a wheel-in shower so I can use a wheeled shower/commode chair. My contractor has found a fiberglass unit with a 1″ lip. Will this be suitable?

A. a 1″ lip will be very difficult, if not impossible, to manage with a wheeled shower/commode chair, especially if the chair has 4 small castors rather than large wheelchair wheels. Short threshold ramps are also difficult to manage especially if the shower area is small and you need to turn while on the ramp. Instead, we suggest constructing a wheel-in shower in which the floor is sloped to the drain and doesn’t have a lip around the edge. This area can also be used as wheelchair maneuvering space in the bathroom.

Q. My mother who uses a wheelchair will be moving in with me. One of the adaptations we’re planning is to widen 2 doors. What is the door width recommended for wheelchair access?

A. The Alberta Building Code recommends a minimum clearance of about 32″. This requires a 34″ door. The door width that will work the best for your mother will depend on several factors. What is the width of her wheelchair? Is it a manual or power wheelchair? If it’s a manual and she propels it herself using her upper extremities, she will need extra clearance for her hands. If it’s a power wheelchair, she may need extra clearance depending on her ability to maneuver and the type of drive mechanism (ie. rear wheel vs. mid wheel drive). Is the door straight through access or will she have to make a turn? Usually the latter requires more clearance especially if the flooring isn’t easy to maneuver on. One of our occupational therapists can assess these factors to help you determine the width that will work the best as well as any other modifications that may be required. Keep in mind that if only another 1-1/2″ to 2″ of clearance is needed, replacing the hinges with swing-clear hinges may be an option, eliminating the need and expense to widen the door.

Q. I am using a wheelchair and need a ramp so I can access my home independently. What should the slope of the ramp be?

A. The Alberta Building Code states that the slope of a ramp should not exceed 1: 12. That is, for every inch of rise there should be at least 12 inches (or 1 foot) of run. For example, a rise of 32 inches will require at least 32 feet of ramp. This doesn’t include level landings required at the top, bottom, each turn, and after every 30 feet of ramp.

However, is a 1: 12 slope suitable for you? If you are self-propelling a manual wheelchair, do you have sufficient arm strength and do you foresee retaining this strength to use the ramp in the future? Or, are you using a power wheelchair or scooter, or will you be using one if you become unable to manage the ramp with a manual wheelchair? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then 1:12 is suitable. Lower slopes of 1:16 or 1:20 will be needed by those with weak or painful arms, or with limited endurance. If you aren’t sure, there are public buildings with ramps for you to try

If a slope is difficult for you to manage now, or you think it might be in the future and no one will be assisting you, a ramp may not be the best solution. Instead, you may want to consider a vertical porch lift, which may also be more suitable in a situation where a ramp will be too long.

If you aren’t sure whether a home alteration is suitable for you or if you would like to know how to design it, one of our occupational therapists and architect will be happy to meet with you at your home.